PASO ROBLES, CAâ€” Paso Robles Wine Country will debut a new event, SIP: Paso Robles Wine Country, as part of its Harvest Wine Tour weekend, October 20, 21 and 22, 2006. SIP stands for Studies in Place, and this interactive seminar and tasting is designed to educate wine enthusiasts about the distinct, different characteristics found in Paso Robles wines. SIP: Paso Robles will debut Friday, October 20, 2006, beginning at 10 a.m. at the Paso Robles Inn ballroom. Tickets and more information about SIP: Paso Robles and the Paso Robles Harvest Wine Tour can be found online at pasowine.com or by calling 800.549.WINE.

Led by leaders in the Paso Robles wine industry, including top viticulturalists and winemakers, this seminar will provide participants an overview of growing wine grapes and making wine, and acquaint enthusiasts with four key wine varieties from Paso Roblesâ€”Viognier, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Zinfandelâ€”following their production from vine to wine. A guided tasting, question-and-answer session and walk around varietal tasting, where attendees can discuss the information and wines with producers, complete the morning seminar. Cost per person for the Friday morning activities is $50, with limited space available.

"Part of our job as members of the industry is to educate people about the unique attributes of Paso Robles wines," said Dennis Collins, General Manager for Treana Winery and chairman of the SIP committee. "We wanted to create something that appeals to people with all degrees of wine knowledge that will engage them and demonstrate what makes Paso Robles Wine Country different from any other wine region in the world."

Auxiliary educational activities will be available throughout the remainder of the weekend at more than 30 Paso Robles wineries. Courses include wine blending lessons, vineyard to glass guided tours, food pairing and cooking classes, and much more.

"We think this format is going to be well received as wine enthusiasts have requested more ways to learn about wine," said Stacie Jacob, Executive Director of the Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance. "The seminar and tasting will be intimate and interactive, and timing it to coincide with the Harvest Wine Tour weekend offers visitors an overview of the entire Paso Robles region to supplement their tasting experiences.

During the Paso Robles Harvest Wine Tour, October 20, 21 and 22, winemakers open their doors, inviting guests to join them in celebrating the 2006 harvest with a host of activities throughout the region, including winemaker dinners, exclusive barrel samples, seminars, barbecues, live music, grape stomps and more. The 2006 Harvest Wine Tour will feature activities at more than 90 Paso Robles wineries, in addition to the SIP: Paso Robles weekend activities.